Congressman Kinzinger happy with PATRIOT Act extension

Just as it was set to expire, Congress passed and President Barack Obama signed a reauthorization of the PATRIOT Act.

Area Republican Congressman Adam Kinzinger says he supports the four-year extension that was approved Thursday.  He says even with the death of Osama bin Laden, the fight against terrorism isn’t over.  He says the government must maintain aggressive efforts to protect and defend against any potential terrorist enemies.

The House and Senate votes were by wide margins and came after the rejection of efforts to change the legislation by both conservatives and liberals who thought that government use of the terrorism-hunting powers infringed on personal liberties.

Illinois River flooding is affecting Starved Rock

The picnic area at Starved Rock State Park is a popular destination during Memorial Day weekend, but flooding along the Illinois River will have families finding some place else to hangout.

Starved Rock’s lower river area including the boat ramp, picnic area and riverside parking lot are closed due to flooding.  The Lodge and visitor’s center remain open.

Flooding has also suspended canal boat rides in La Salle.

A flood warning continues for the Illinois River at La Salle.  Saturday morning the river at La Salle was nearly five feet over flood stage and falling.  Flooding is considered minor.

Two arrested after search of a Peru home

Several weeks of investigating in Peru have a man and a woman facing minor drug charges.

Officers in Peru searched 917 Bluff Court in Peru, the home of Joseph Campbell and Kayla Baker Thursday night.  Police say they found what they thought was cannabis and drug paraphernalia.  Baker and Campbell were arrested for misdemeanor possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. They were released after posting bond.

Unemployment rate down from the same time last year

Fewer people were on unemployment in April than they were the same time last year.  La Salle County unemployment for last month was 10.9%, compared to 13.5% the same time last year.

In Bureau County April unemployment was 9.9%, down one percent from the previous year.

In Putnam County the rate was 10.3%, down from 12.8% in April 2010.

Unemployment for the Ottawa-Streator area was at 10.6%, a more than two percent decline from last April.  The Illinois Department of Employment Security says the area saw job losses in professional-business services, manufacturing and construction.

Flooding delays moving of Ottawa sculpture

The move of a sculpture in Allen Park in Ottawa shouldn’t be that hard if the weather finally cooperates.

The Red sculpture was to be lifted on to a flatbed and moved across the park to another base Wednesday morning, but that was postponed due to severe weather.

Rain prevented the sculpture from being moved Thursday morning.  And flooding along the Illinois River means they’ll wait until next Wednesday morning to move the sculpture.

Streator Park Festival opens tonight

One of the first festivals of the summer season kicks off Friday in Streator.  The Streator Park Fest includes a carnival, food booths, and live entertainment.

The carnival and food stands open at 5:30 pm.  Live Entertainment on the Park Stage begins at 6pm.  The winner of “Streator Business Pride” Award will also be announced.

The festival runs through Sunday at Streator City Park.